Spells for Forgetting

Really disappointing. I was drawn to the whole mysterious magical aspect, but there was not a single piece of magic here. There are allusions to “spells”, dark magic, divination, but was barely used or displayed throughout the book. I expected a mysterious island that was a living and breathing entity (like the Whomping Willow), something that moved and reacted to its surroundings, that really lived alongside the people. Such a shame it wasn't like that at all.

The first 200 pages is an extremely repetitive slow-burn focused on Emery and August's guilt of the past and their longing for each other. I already knew from the super long book summary and the first few chapters that August isn't what the town thinks, and Emery has a deep connected past with him. Is it necessary to read chapter after chapter about the same thing?

The author really emphasized their emotions, it's very palpable and atmospheric, a reflection of how we dwell on our own thoughts and feelings in real life for days and even years, but reading about it is so tiring.

I only continued to see what the big secret was, and the payoff was not worth it. All of these secrets, revenge, sabotage, gossip, just for some fruits? It's almost like the town did not even consider waiting or discussing with August. It is hard to get behind the townspeople's motivations, especially Lily's grandmother. There's nothing particular about this island or its history that drives the people to feel this protective about it either - show it to us, don't just make the characters say this and that about needing to protect Saorise at all costs.

Emery mentions she made a magic-binding “oath” with August when they were teens to love each other forever. She refuses to sever their connection when given the chance. This is such a huge thing the author dropped and Emery did not admit the truth to August AT ALL, which made me completely put off by Emery. It's like she manipulated him into loving her forever, into tying his very soul and essence to her forever without his consent. It's not romantic, it's toxic. I don't care if they had this intense, weird love before the oath, the aftermath makes me wonder if anything between them is truly genuine or some seedy dark thing.

This would've been far more interesting to explore though.